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February 27—March 6, 2014
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Former American Idol Star Jerome Bell Set To Perform At Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. Benefit Gala
MANGANO ANNOUNCES FREE ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION Nassau County Executive Mangano on Tuesday, February 25th announced the Third Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 8th at from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, located at 1303 Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. Admission is free. Irish entertainment will include the Irish Rock Bands: The Sporting Paddies and The Mickey Finns, in addition to a performance by the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance. Bagpipers and fiddlers will also be providing live entertainment throughout the day. Traditional Irish food and beverages will be offered and Irish merchandise will be available for purchase at the Fairgrounds Building and the Noon Inn. For additional information, call Nassau County Parks at: (516) 572-0200 or visit the website at: www.nassaucountyny.gov.
Inside this issue Editor’s Notes, 2 Letter to the Editor, 2 News, 3 People, Places, and Events, 7 Lisa-Anne’s Column, 8 Kam’s Kapsules, 9 Legal MarketPlace, 16 Raffle Entry Form, 16
Former American Idol Season 10 SemiFinalist star Jerome Bell will perform at the Annual Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. 2014 Annual Gala Benefit to be held on March 14, 2014 at Verdi's of Westbury, located at 680 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York, 11590 from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m. The red-carpet fund-raiser gala event, themed "Creating a Unique Learning Environment through Health and Education Learning Initiatives, will recognize individuals whose efforts have contributed to diabetes and health awareness. Among some of those being honored are Dr. Gerald W. Deas, Professorship in Preventive Medicine, Visionary, Writer, Educator, Poet and Philanthropist, Angela Banks Jourdain, Critical Care Nursing Education specialist at North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Systems, Preston King, C.P.A., Chairman of New York Citi Works , Georgette D. Brown, Assistant Director of Athletics, Adelphi University, Samuel L. Dunston, Founder/President of National Allotment Insurance Agency, LTD, Nancy Davidson, CEO of Qivana Health Systems Business, Dr. Okechukwu Echezona, Founder/CEO of Strong Movement, Arnie Joseph: Founder/President of Chroma Health Solutions, Hon. William B. Wise, Trustee of Westbury, New York, Mr. Leo Gardner, President of Strong Movement, and Chuck Madu, Pharm.D, owner of Freeport Medical Supply and Xtra Care Pharmacy. The Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of NYC is a brainchild of Sabrina Gardner who, as a mother of a diabetic child, is trying to raise awareness and to find a cure for the plaque. “As the parent of a child with diabetes, one of my greatest daily worries is whether she’ll survive outside of my direct care. We need a continuum of innovative health and educational services blended with support systems where students spend the vast majority of their day,” says Sabrina. The Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C., the first of its kind in the U.S. cater to the direct needs of students and their families who struggle with diabetes and other medical health issues. The academy is incorporated by The University of The State of New
York Board of Regents and The New York State Education Department. founder of the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C., was inspired by the struggles of managing consistent daily care for her own child who has Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Information regarding tickets, donations, sponsorship or advertising to the gala is available online @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ diabetes-health-wellness-academy-of-nycbenefit-gala-verdis-of-westbury-tickets8766616185. Funds raised at the Gala will support the Diabetes Health and Wellness Academy of N.Y.C. in its efforts to assist families, caregivers, and guardians in the daily management of prevention and awareness of the disease.
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February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
Quote of the Week: How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because some day in life you will have been all these. — George Washington Carver
Hats Off to the President!
Letters to the Editor Looking for a relative
Elseah Chea, Editor
Mailing Address P. O. Box 1113 Baldwin, NY 11510 Tel: (516) 292-1263 Editorial Staff Managing Publisher/Editor Elseah Chea Alibert Davies, Deputy Editor & co-publisher
The Black inventor and educator George Washington Carver once said that How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong because some day in life you will have been all these. This week, President Barack Obama made the aforementioned statement all so real when, surrounded by young black boys from the neighborhoods of Chicago where he started as a community organizer, signed a presidential memorandum establishing his “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative on this morning of Thursday, February 27. The President’s initiative, as we learn from the White House communiqué is aimed at helping America’s black youth overcome societal barriers and have a fair chance at success in their adulthood. Certainly, the President’s initiative comes on the heeds of Black History Month, when America pauses to recognize the accomplishments and/or achievements of black America. That President Barack Obama has chosen this time to announce his initiative could not come at an opportune time. We at the Hempstead/Uniondale Times newspaper, a paper that serves the predominantly African-American community and knows too well the disparity that exists for our community, commend the President for his bold step in establishing an initiative that is intending to even the playing field. Indeed, the President’s move is a step in the right direction. At this juncture, my position as publisher/editor of the only African-American newspaper in the area enjoins me to say hooray to the President! The black community really doesn’t look for special favors because Mr. Obama is considered America’s first Black President, but it feels good and comforting to know that he understands the disparities that exist and that he is trying to create a fair and equitable life for all. Hooray to Mr. President, and we reprint his remarks verbatim (see page 6).
Dear Editor:
Elseah Chea
Bank of America partnered with the rock band U2 to raise BIG money for the Global Fund. BofA promised to donate $1 for every person who dowloaded U2's new track, 'Invisible' for free. In 36 hours, over 3 million people downloaded the track. (The song is no longer free but if you purchase it on iTunes, the proceeds will go to the Global Fund.)
My name is Arne K. Larsen, living in Norway. I am retired, after many years working in a Company as a Manager in Communication and Public Affairs. For 11 years I have tried to locate a lost relative. Just a few days ago, I managed to obtain some information that related to Uniondale, New York On Internet I found your newspaper, I now have the audacity to approach you. The story that might emerge from my research related to my relative, could be a “human touch” one. It starts with a young woman, my aunt Gerda Larsen, leaving Norway in 1919, not knowing she was pregnant, arriving in New York and giving birth to a son. Gerda died shortly after giving birth, and my grandfather’s sister Josephine Lee, nee Larsen, adopted the baby. The last place I believe Josephine lived was somewhere in Uniondale in the late fifties. Josephine was born in Norway 30th December 1875, and was married to William H Lee. I presume they are both buried in the same grave/ place/cemetery. Is it possible to have someone from your staff help me? Would there be an obituary in your paper related to her death? Yours in anticipation Arne K. Larsen *********************** To the Editor, During the Super Bowl something extraordinary happen. No, not the rout of the Broncos by the Seahawks. We witnessed something far more rare -- an act of charity by a multi-billion dollar corporation.
Graphic Design/Layout KDC Graphics
With this money the Global Fund provides anti-retroviral drugs to those who would not otherwise be able to get them. And because they do so, we may see the first AIDS-free generation by 2015. That's right, no child born with AIDS by 2015, anywhere.
Photography Rodney Seymour Thomas Humphreys Rich Richardson
For those who ask why we should help others when we have problems here, you should know that thanks to effective programs like the Global Fund over 7.5 million people living in Africa today have access to lifesaving AIDS medications, up from a mere 50,000 in 2002.
Hempstead/Uniondale Times is published weekly by EC Media Strategies Group. Submission of letters/articles are welcome. All materials must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Views/opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the staff and editorial board. Hempstead/Uniondale Times assumes no responsibility for the loss of submitted materials. Hempstead/Uniondale Times reserves the right to edit or otherwise alter materials submitted for publication; refuse to publish materials deemed biased. Please submit typed-written materials. You may also E-mail materials. Subscription to Hempstead/Uniondale Times is $19.00 yearly. Visit us at: www.hutimes.com Write editor @ editor@hutimes.com
If we keep it up, we can see the beginning of the end of AIDS. And that is thanks to all of us Americans who care, and believe it or not, to bipartisan members Congress who have continually done the right thing in this regard by funding life-saving programs like the Global Fund and PEPFAR. Just another reason that I'm proud of my extraordinary country. Sincerely, Lenore Pringle ONE member ————————————————————
February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.'s Business Card Exchange helps Businesses Grow Online
Left to Right: Sharon Davis, CEO, SJ Edwards, Inc./VP LIAACC, Sabrina Gardner, Founder, The Diabetes Health & Wellness Academy of N.Y.C., John Scott, Chairman LIAACC, Phil Andrews, President, LIAACC, Altanya Gerald Burgess, Board Member Dollicia F. Holloway Foundation.
By Phil Andrews The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc.’s Business Card & Breakfast Series featuring the Daily News Digital Solution showed Small Business Owners how to Grow Business Online. The special guest speaker at the February 27, 2014 Business Card Exchange was Mike Flaminio, Vice President of Daily News Digital Solu-
tions. The event showed business owners how to optimize their business presence online using landing page, search engine optimization, and the use of social media, and mobile business applications. The event was filled to capacity with small business owners and professionals from around the New York region. Visit Daily News Digital Solutions @ http:// www.dailynewsdigital.com
Comp4kids Awards Technology Grant of Hewlett Packard Laptop Computers to The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. was in January 2014 awarded a technology grant of Hewlett Packard laptop computers from Comp4Kids, a local charitable organization that provides refurbished computers to Long Island youth. “Our belief is every child should have the capability and the access of using computers, so they will have the opportunity of linking to 21st Century technology, having access of using the world wide web as they discover the many opportunities which will enable, enrich, equip and empower their lives through the power of education,” said Keith H. Burgess, Founder/CEO. Burgess stated the Foundation, through their educational initiatives, will use the laptops as part of its developing youth employment, leadership and homework assistance programs to be implemented this summer. Comp4Kids, a Long Island-based IRS recognized 501(c) (3) charity, collects and refurbishes used computer equipment. The organization distributes computers for free to low income families across Long Island, NYC, and lower Westchester. Comp4Kids works with numerous school districts, public libraries, pre-schools, after school programs, special education schools and other charitable organizations which service at-risk children, families, and young adults. Comp4Kids also provides the training necessary to implement technology into their daily lives. The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) Not-For-Profit Educational Organization. The primary focus of The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. is to encourage and enable the youth of our community to Dream, Achieve, Rise and Explore (DARE) to their fullest potential towards becoming responsible and
successful leaders within the community. Our goal is to foster a commitment which will promote the development of formulating healthy lifestyle choices, which will assist in the enhancement of their academic skills and by increasing their educational opportunities. The programs that directly address this focus are: Financial Literacy, Youth/Peer Mentoring, Scholarships, Professional Development, Leadership Training, and Domestic Violence Advocacy. For more information on Comp4Kids visit http://www.comp4kids.org/ or call (516) 244 -1809, and for more information on The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc., contact at info@dolliciaholloway.org. Visit their website at www.dolliciafholloway.org
“The presentation by Michael Flaminio, Vice President of Daily News provided informative and timely information to help business owners increase their presence online and maximize the opportunity that the digital age offers for sales growth and increased visibility through digital marketing strategies,” said John Scott, Chairman and founder of the Chamber. The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce breakfast and business card exchange was a complete success. The NY Daily News presentation was absolutely informative and was certainly valuable to the many entrepreneurs in attendance,” noted Tyrell Carrillo, Owner/ Manager of T. Carrillo Funeral Service, LLC www.tcarillofuneralservice.com, a member of Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. About the Long Island African-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC) Was founded to advance and promote economic development for business, and to advance responsive government and quality education on the behalf of all small businesses, with emphasis on African Ancestry, while preserving the Long Island community. The Chamber serves African-American businesses on Long Island, New York, comprising the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings. Follow us on facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/ LongIslandAfricanAmericanChamber. To become a member of the Chamber, you may email info@liaacc.com or call us at 347475-7158.
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TD Charitable Foundation Supports The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation
The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, recently donated a total of $675.00 to The Dol1icia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc. as part of the bank's commitment to giving back to the community. The Dollicia F. Holloway Memorial Foundation, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) Not-ForProfit Educational Organization whose mission is to encourage and enable the children of our community to Dream, Achieve, Rise, and Explore (D.A.R.E) to their fullest potential towards becoming responsible and successful leaders within the community. The overall goal of the organization is to foster a commitment which will promote the development of formulating healthy lifestyle choices. The funds from the TD Charitable
Foundation will be used to Non Profit Governance and Board Field Enhancement training for the Board of Directors; as well as create Financial Literacy curriculums for their H.I.P. H.O.P. Movement Summer Youth Academy. “A staunch commitment to active involvement in the local community is a vital element of the TD Bank philosophy. TD Charitable Foundation provides support to affordable housing, financial literacy, education, and environmental initiatives, many of which focus on improving the welfare of children and families,” noted Robert Bullock, branch manager of TD in Hempstead.
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Page 4 . February 27-March 6, 2014
MANGANO ANNOUNCES REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 NICKERSON BEACH CABANA LOTTERY Nassau County Executive Ed P. Mangano on Thursday announced that registration for the 2014 Nickerson Beach Park Cabana lottery will begin on Friday, February 28th and will run through Friday, April 25th with the lottery drawing scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 29th at 10:00 a.m, and winners will be notified via telephone. The cabana fee for the 2014 summer season is $3,400.00. To register, applicants must apply in person at the Nickerson Beach administration building on daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Applicants must pay a non-refundable $25 lottery fee and provide a valid driver’s license, an electric bill or current tax bill as additional proof of residency, and a Nassau County Leisure Pass, which can be purchased at the park for $25. Only one application may be submitted per family. Cabinettes and Lockers at Nickerson Beach are not subject to a lottery and will go on sale beginning Tuesday, March 4th. The cabinette fee for the 2014 summer season is $765.00. The cabanas will be open on weekends only beginning Friday, May 23rd through Friday, June 13th from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Beginning Saturday, June 14th through Sunday, September 7th the cabanas will be open from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Repairs and improvements that have been made at Nickerson Beach since the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy include: the repair of the pool, hot water heaters and damaged sidewalks, new mobi mats to replace the old
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
wooden walkways, cabanas have been painted, new artwork has been put up to differentiate each row of cabanas, and a new concession has been constructed. For more information, please call: (516) 571 -7700 or visit the website at: www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
MANGANO: MODEL TRAIN SHOW TO BENEFIT NASSAU HURRICANE RECOVERY FUND Mineola, New York – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Trainville Hobby Depot will host their 4th Annual Model Train Show on Saturday, March 29th and Sunday, March 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bethpage Senior Community Center, located at 103 Grumman Road West in Bethpage. The Model Train Show includes an information table for future Model Train and Hobby Events. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund, which benefits uninsured and underinsured residents who suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy. Residents are invited to help support their neighbors who are struggling to rebuild, while enjoying exhibitors and Train Clubs such as: Trainville Hobby Depot, Long Island HOTtrack, Long Island Traction O Gauge Trolleys, TMB Model Railroad Club, MTA LIRR Police and more. Admission to the Train Show is a suggested donation of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children from 4-11 years of age. Additional donations accepted. For further Train Show information please call Trainville Hobby Depot at: (516) 433-4444, or visit their website at: www.trainville.com.
Hospital Association Offers $2,000 Scholarship The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council (NSHC) on Monday, February 24, 2014 announced a $2,000 scholarship with optional internship for college juniors/seniors or post graduate students who are studying Journalism, Marketing/Communication, or Healthcare Administration, this paper has learned. The scholarship is not for clinical-based study. The Ann Marie Brown Memorial Scholarship honors the late Ann Marie Brown, who served as vice president for government and public relations for the Hospital Council from 1983 to 1993. The scholarship is administered by the Hospital Council’s Communications Committee. Filing deadline is May 16, 2014. Recipient is expected to attend the award
luncheon on June 6, 2014. For more information and an application go to www.nshc.org and click on programs or call 631-963-4156. The NSHC represents the not-for-profit and public hospitals on Long Island. Its goal is to enhance health care for all Long Islanders through its advocacy with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, the media, and the public.
February 27-March 6, 2014
Pres. Michel Martelly and Pres. Barack Obama meet—The two leaders of the first two historic independent nations in the Western Hemisphere meet on Thursday, February 6, 2014
By Smith Georges When President Michelle Martelly, aka “Sweet Micky,” came to power in March 2011, there was a lot of doubt about how he was going to govern. Being a musician/ entertainer left people to guess what kind of president he was going to be. Today, even his harshest critics admit that he has made progress and has matured politically. Haitians as well as the international community were baffled as to why the leader of the free world, U.S. President Barack Obama did not meet with Pres. Martelly since he assumed his position as the democratically and constitutionally elected President of Haiti. Rumors were flying for all the wrong reasons. But on Thursday, February 6, 2014 history was made. The two leaders finally met in a bilateral meeting in the oval office at the White House in Washington DC, USA. Pres. Obama had high praises for President Martelly. “The good news is that because of not just the mobilization of international support, which the U.S. helped to lead, but also because of strong leadership from the Haitian people themselves and President Martelly, we’ve begun to see progress. The economy is growing; security is improving; infrastructure is getting rebuilt rubble has been removed; health facilities are beginning to open up;
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
schools are starting to get back into place, and businesses are starting to return to Haiti,” said President Obama. The two countries share the democratic stage together and have been allies for centuries dating back to 1779 when free Haitian slaves volunteered to come to Savannah, Georgia to fight to resuscitate the American Revolution when the U.S. troops were almost
Martelly and Obama
Pic’d l-r: Sophia Martelly, Michelle Obama, President Michel Martelly and President Barack Obama
wiped out by the British.
———To comment on this article, send your email to whygeorgess@aol.com.
Remarks by President Obama and President Martelly of Haiti before Bilateral Meeting PRESIDENT OBAMA: It’s a great pleasure to welcome President Martelly of Haiti to the Oval Office. Our two countries really brought about the trend towards independence in the Western Hemisphere, and we have had a longstanding relationship of many years. The bonds between our two peoples are extraordinarily strong, including the contributions made by Haitian Americans, who in all walks of life make enormous contributions to our own country. Obviously, over the last several years, our relationship has been shaped in part by our desire to help Haiti rebuild after the devastating earthquake that took place. We’re now at the four-year anniversary of that tragic event that devastated such a large portion of not only Haiti but also devastated the Haitian economy. The good news is that because of not just the mobilization of international support, which the U.S. helped to lead, but also because of strong leadership from the Haitian people themselves and President Martelly, we’ve begun to see progress. The economy is growing; security is improving; infrastructure is getting rebuilt rubble has been removed; health facilities are beginning to open up; schools are starting to get back into place, and businesses are starting to return to Haiti. It’s been a very slow and difficult process, and I think we are all recognizing that we have a lot more work to do. But my main message today to the President and to the people of Haiti is that the American people are committed to standing with you in this process. We want to make sure that all the children of Haiti can look forward to lives of opportunity and prosperity and security. And I’m very encouraged by the fact that Haiti has now made progress on an election law that could ensure elections this year and help
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to resolve some of the political roadblocks that stalled some progress in the country, and I appreciate the President’s efforts on that front. I’m looking forward to hearing where we can help in other reforms that I know he cares about -- such areas as human rights, prison reform, the judiciary, dealing with issues of corruption that are inhibitors to progress in any country, including ours. And we will continue to stand by Haitian democracy, Haitian leadership, and the Haitian people in this slow and steady progress that needs to take place. So, Mr. President, welcome. We’re very proud of our relationship with Haiti and we look forward to deepening it in the years to come. PRESIDENT MARTELLY: Thank you, Mr. President. I’d like to first thank the people of the United States, the government, and you, Mr. President, for always standing by the Haitian people. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of the First Lady, Michelle Obama, in Haiti after the earthquake. I’d like to thank her for her support also. Through this meeting, Mr. President, I hope we have a chance to discuss matters pertaining to security -- security in Haiti, security in the region, our ability to fight together narcotraffic and, of course, talk also about my engagement in building a strong democratic state. So thank you for hosting me. It’s an honor to be here. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you very much, everybody. Appreciate it. END 2:27 P.M. EST Visit link below to watch the video of the Bilateral meeting between Martelly and Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=zQkTwQ7cBiM
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February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com translates into higher unemployment rates and poverty rates as adults.
I told these young men my story then, and I repeat it now because I firmly believe that every child deserves the same chances that I had. And that’s why we’re here today -- to do what we can, in this year of action, to give more young Americans the support they need to make good choices, and to be resilient, and to overcome obstacles, and achieve their dreams.
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
February 27, 2014 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON “MY BROTHER’S KEEPER” INITIATIVE THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Everybody, please have a seat. Well, good afternoon, everybody. AUDIENCE: Good afternoon. THE PRESIDENT: Welcome to the White House. And thank you, Christian, for that outstanding introduction. And thank you for cheering for the White Sox, which is the right thing to do. (Laughter.) Like your parents and your teachers, I could not be prouder of you. I could not be prouder of the other young men who are here today. But just so we’re clear -- you're only e xcuse d for one day of school. (Laughter.) And I'm assuming you’ve got your assignments with you so that you can catch up -- perhaps even on the flight back. (Laughter.) As Christian mentioned, I first met Christian about a year ago. I visited the Hyde Park Academy in Chicago, which is only about a mile from my house. And Christian was part of this program called “Becoming a Man.” It's a program that Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced to me. And it helps young men who show a lot of potential but may have gotten in some trouble to stay on the right path. They get help with schoolwork, but they also learn life skills like how to be a responsible citizen, and how to deal with life’s challenges, and how to manage frustrations in a constructive way, and how to set goals for themselves. And it works. One study found that, among young men who participate in the BAM program, arrests for violent crimes dropped 44 percent, and they were more likely to graduate from high school. (Applause.) So as Christian mentioned, during my visit, they’re in a circle and I sat down in the circle, and we went around, led by their counselor, and guys talked about their lives, talked about their stories. They talked about what they were struggling with, and how they were trying to do the right thing, and how sometimes they didn’t always do the right thing. And when it was my turn, I explained to them that when I was their age I was a lot like them. I didn’t have a dad in the house. And I was angry about it, even though I didn’t necessarily realize it at the time. I made bad choices. I got high without always thinking about the harm that it could do. I didn’t always take school as seriously as I should have. I made excuses. Sometimes I sold myself short. And I remember when I was saying this -- Christian, you may remember this -- after I was finished, the guy sitting next to me said, “Are you talking about you?” (Laughter.) I said, yes. And the point was I could see myself in these young men. And the only difference is that I grew up in an environment that was a little bit more forgiving, so when I made a mistake the consequences were not as severe. I had people who encouraged me -- not just my mom and grandparents, but wonderful teachers and community leaders -- and they’d push me to work hard and study hard and make the most of myself. And if I didn’t listen they said it again. And if I didn’t listen they said it a third time. And they would give me second chances, and third chances. They never gave up on me, and so I didn’t give up on myself.
This is an issue of national importance -- it's as important as any issue that I work on. It's an issue that goes to the very heart of why I ran for President -- because if America stands for anything, it stands for the idea of opportunity for everybody; the notion that no matter who you are, or where you came from, or the circumstances into which you are born, if you work hard, if you take responsibility, then you can make it in this country. (Applause.) That's the core idea. And that’s the idea behind everything that I’ll do this year, and for the rest of my presidency. Because at a time when the economy is growing, we’ve got to make sure that every American shares in that growth, not just a few. And that means guaranteeing every child in America has access to a world-class education. It means creating more jobs and empowering more workers with the skills they need to do those jobs. It means making sure that hard work pays off with wages you can live on and savings you can retire on and health care that you can count on. It means building more ladders of opportunity into the middle class for anybody who’s willing to work hard to climb them. Those are national issues. They have an impact on everybody. And the problem of stagnant wages and economic insecurity and stalled mobility are issues that affect all demographic groups all across the country. My administration’s policies -- from early childhood education to job training, to minimum wages -- are designed to give a hand up to everybody, every child, every American willing to work hard and take responsibility for their own success. That's the larger agenda. But the plain fact is there are some Americans who, in the aggregate, are consistently doing worse in our society -groups that have had the odds stacked against them in unique ways that require unique solutions; groups who’ve seen fewer opportunities that have spanned generations. And by almost every measure, the group that is facing some of the most severe challenges in the 21st century in this country are boys and young men of color. Now, to say this is not to deny the enormous strides we’ve made in closing the opportunity gaps that marred our history for so long. My presence is a testimony to that progress. Across this country, in government, in business, in our military, in communities in every state we see extraordinary examples of African American and Latino men who are standing tall and leading, and building businesses, and making our country stronger. Some of those role models who have defied the odds are with us here today -- the Magic Johnsons or the Colin Powells who are doing extraordinary things -- the Anthony Foxxes. Anthony, yesterday he and I were talking about how both of us never knew our dads, and shared that sense of both how hard that had been but also how that had driven us to succeed in many ways. So there are examples of extraordinary achievement. We all know that. We don't need to stereotype and pretend that there’s only dysfunction out there. But 50 years after Dr. King talked about his dream for America’s children, the stubborn fact is that the life chances of the average black or brown child in this country lags behind by almost every measure, and is worse for boys and young men. If you’re African American, there’s about a one in two chance you grow up without a father in your house -- one in two. If you’re Latino, you have about a one in four chance. We know that boys who grow up witheout a father are more likely to be poor, more likely to underperform in school.
And the worst part is we’ve become numb to these statistics. We're not surprised by them. We take them as the norm. We just assume this is an inevitable part of American life, instead of the outrage that it is. (Applause.) That's how we think about it. It's like a cultural backdrop for us -- in movies and television. We just assume, of course, it's going to be like that. But these statistics should break our hearts. And they should compel us to act. Michelle and I are blessed with two beautiful daughters. We don’t have a son. But I know if I had a son, on the day he was born I would have felt everything I felt with Malia and Sasha -- the awe, the gratitude, the overwhelming sense of responsibility to do everything in my power to protect that amazing new life from this big world out there. And just as our daughters are growing up into wonderful, beautiful young women, I’d want my son to feel a sense of boundless possibility. And I’d want him to have independence and confidence. And I'd want him to have empathy and compassion. I'd want him to have a sense of diligence and commitment, and a respect for others and himself -- the tools that he’d need to succeed. I don't have a son, but as parents, that’s what we should want not just for our children, but for all children. (Applause.) And I believe the continuing struggles of so many boys and young men -- the fact that too many of them are falling by the wayside, dropping out, unemployed, involved in negative behavior, going to jail, being profiled -this is a moral issue for our country. It’s also an economic issue for our country. After all, these boys are a growing segment of our population. They are our future workforce. When, generation after generation, they lag behind, our economy suffers. Our family structure suffers. Our civic life suffers. Cycles of hopelessness breed violence and mistrust. And our country is a little less than what we know it can be. So we need to change the statistics -- not just for the sake of the young men and boys, but for the sake of America’s future. That’s why, in the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin verdict, with all the emotions and controversy that it sparked, I spoke about the need to bolster and reinforce our young men, and give them the sense that their country cares about them and values them and is willing to invest in them. (Applause.) And I'm grateful that Trayvon’s parents, Sybrina and Tracy, are here with us today, along with Jordan Davis’s parents, Lucy and Ron. In my State of the Union address last month, I said I’d pick up the phone and reach out to Americans willing to help more young men of color facing especially tough odds to stay on track and reach their full potential, so America can reach its full potential. And that’s what today is all about. After months of conversation with a wide range of people, we’ve pulled together private philanthropies and businesses, mayors, state and local leaders, faith leaders, nonprofits, all who are committed to creating more pathways to success. And we’re committed to building on what works. And we call it “My Brother’s Keeper.” Now, just to be clear -- “My Brother’s Keeper” is not some big, new government program. In my State of the Union address, I outlined the work that needs to be done for broadbased economic growth and opportunity for all Americans. We have manufacturing hubs, infrastructure spending - I've been traveling around the country for the last several weeks talking about what we need to do to grow the economy and expand opportunity for everybody. And in the absence of some of those macroeconomic policies that create more good jobs and restore middle-class security, it’s going to be harder for everyone to make progress. And for the last four years, we’ve been working through initiatives like Promise Zones to help break down the structural barriers -- from lack of transportation to substandard schools -- that afflict some of this country’s most impoverished counties, and we’ll continue to promote these efforts in urban and rural counties alike. (Cont’d page 7)
As a black student, you are far less likely than a white student to be able to read proficiently by the time you are in 4th grade. By the time you reach high school, you’re far more likely to have been suspended or expelled. There’s a higher chance you end up in the criminal justice system, and a far higher chance that you are the victim of a violent crime. Fewer young black and Latino men participate in the labor force compared to young white men. And all of this
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February 27-March 6, 2014
The President’s Message (Cont’d from page 6)
Those are all government initiatives, government programs that we think are good for all Americans and we're going to keep on pushing for them. But what we’re talking about here today with “My Brother’s Keeper” is a more focused effort on boys and young men of color who are having a particularly tough time. And in this effort, government cannot play the only -- or even the primary -role. We can help give every child access to quality preschool and help them start learning from an early age, but we can’t replace the power of a parent who’s reading to that child. We can reform our criminal justice system to ensure that it's not infected with bias, but nothing keeps a young man out of trouble like a father who takes an active role in his son’s life. (Applause.) In other words, broadening the horizons for our young men and giving them the tools they need to succeed will require a sustained effort from all of us. Parents will have to parent -- and turn off the television, and help with homework. (Applause.) Teachers will need to do their part to make sure our kids don’t fall behind and that we're setting high expectations for those children and not giving up on them. Business leaders will need to create more mentorships and apprenticeships to show more young people what careers are out there. Tech leaders will need to open young eyes to fields like computer science and engineering. Faith leaders will need to help our young men develop the values and ethical framework that is the foundation for a good and productive life. So we all have a job to do. And we can do it together -- black and white, urban and rural, Democrat and Republican. So often, the issues facing boys and young men of color get caught up in long-running ideological arguments about race and class, and crime and poverty, the role of government, partisan politics. We've all heard those arguments before. But the urgency of the situation requires us to move past some of those old arguments and focus on getting something done and focusing on what works. It doesn’t mean the arguments are unimportant; it just means that they can't paralyze us. And there’s enough goodwill and enough overlap and agreement that we should be able to go ahead and get some things done, without resolved everything about our history or our future. Twenty years ago, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson started a program in the Miami public school system -- feel free to stand up. (Applause.) To help young boys at risk of dropping out of school. Today, it serves thousands of students in dozens of schools. As Mayor of New York, Mayor Bloomberg - Michael Bloomberg, who’s here today, started a “Young Men’s Initiative” for African-American and Latino boys, because he understood that in order for America to compete we need to make it easier for all our young people to do better in the classroom and find a job once they graduate. A bipartisan group of mayors called “Cities United” has made this issue a priority in communities across the country. Senator Mike Lee -- a leader of the tea party -- has been working with Senator Dick Durbin -- a Democrat from my home state of Illinois -to reduce disparities in our criminal justice system that have hit the African American and Latino communities especially hard. So I want to thank everybody who’s been doing incredible work -- many of the people who are here today, including members of Congress, who have been focused on this
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and are moving the needle in their communities and around the country. They understand that giving every young person who’s willing to work hard a shot at opportunity should not be a partisan issue. Yes, we need to train our workers, invest in our schools, make college more affordable -- and government has a role to play. And, yes, we need to encourage fathers to stick around, and remove the barriers to marriage, and talk openly about things like responsibility and faith and community. In the words of Dr. King, it is not either-or; it is both-and. And if I can persuade Sharpton and O’Reilly to be in the same meeting -- (laughter and applause) -- then it means that there are people of good faith who want to get some stuff done, even if we don't agree on everything. And that's our focus. While there may not be much of an appetite in Congress for sweeping new programs or major new initiatives right now, we all know we can’t wait. And so the good news is folks in the private sector who know how important boosting the achievement of young men of color is to this country -- they are ready to step up. Today, I’m pleased to announce that some of the most forward-looking foundations in America are looking to invest at least $200 million over the next five years -- on top of the $150 million that they’ve already invested -- to test which strategies are working for our kids and expand them in cities across the country. (Applause.) Many of these folks have been on the front lines in this fight for a long time. What’s more, they’re joined by business leaders, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs who are stepping forward to support this effort as well. And my administration is going to do its part. So today after my remarks are done, I’m going to pen this presidential memorandum directing the federal government not to spend more money, but to do things smarter, to determine what we can do right now to improve the odds for boys and young men of color, and make sure our agencies are working more effectively with each other, with those businesses, with those philanthropies, and with local communities to implement proven solutions. And part of what makes this initiative so promising is that we actually know what works -- and we know when it works. Now, what do I mean by that? Over the years, we’ve identified key moments in the life of a boy or a young man of color that will, more often than not, determine whether he succeeds, or falls through the cracks. We know the data. We know the statistics. And if we can focus on those key moments, those lifechanging points in their lives, you can have a big impact; you can boost the odds for more of our kids. First of all, we know that during the first three years of life, a child born into a lowincome family hears 30 million fewer words than a child born into a well-off family. And everybody knows babies are sponges, they just soak that up. A 30-million-word deficit is hard to make up. And if a black or Latino kid isn’t ready for kindergarten, he’s half as likely to finish middle school with strong academic and social skills. So by giving more of our kids access to high-quality early education -- and by helping parents get the tools they need to help their children succeed -- we can give more kids a better shot at the career they’re capable of, and the life that will make us all better off. So that's point number one right at the beginning. Point number two, if a child can’t read well by the time he’s in 3rd grade, he’s four times
less likely to graduate from high school by age 19 than one who can. And if he happens to be poor, he’s six times less likely to graduate. So by boosting reading levels, we can help more of our kids make the grade, keep on advancing, reach that day that so many parents dream of -- until it comes close and then you start tearing up -- and that's when they’re walking across the stage, holding that high school diploma. Number three, we know that Latino kids are almost twice as likely as white kids to be suspended from school. Black kids are nearly four times as likely. And if a student has been suspended even once by the time they’re in 9th grade they are twice as likely to drop out. That’s why my administration has been working with schools on alternatives to the so-called “zero tolerance” guidelines -- not because teachers or administrators or fellow students shold have to put up with bad behavior, but because there are ways to modify bad behavior that lead to good behavior -- as opposed to bad behavior out of school. We can make classrooms good places for learning for everybody without jeopardizing a
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child’s future. (Applause.) And by building on that work, we can keep more of our young men where they belong -- in the classroom, learning, growing, gaining the skills they need to succeed. Number four, we know that students of color are far more likely than their white classmates to find themselves in trouble with the law. If a student gets arrested, he’s almost twice as likely to drop out of school. By making sure our criminal justice system doesn’t just function as a pipeline from underfunded schools to overcrowded jails, we can help young men of color stay out of prison, stay out of jail. And that means then, they’re more likely to be employable, and to invest in their own families, and to pass on a legacy of love and hope. And finally, we know young black men are twice as likely as young white men to be “disconnected” -- not in school, not working. We've got to reconnect them. We've got to give more of these young men access to mentors. We've got to contine to encourage responsible fatherhood. We've got to (Cont’d on page 8)
Page 8
The President’s Message (Cont’d from page 7)
provide more pathways to apply to college or find a job. We can keep them from falling through the cracks, and help them lay a foundation for a career and a family and a better life. In the discussion before we came in, General Powell talked about the fact that there are going to be some kids who just don't have a family at home that is functional, no matter how hard we try. But just an adult, any adult who’s paying attention can make a difference. Any adult who cares can make a difference. Magic was talking about being in a school in Chicago, and rather than going to the school he brought the school to the company, AllState, that was doing the work. And suddenly, just that one conversation meant these young men saw something different. A world opened up for them. It doesn’t take that much. But it takes more than we're doing now. And that’s what “My Brother’s Keeper” is all about -- helping more of our young people stay on track; providing the support they need to think more broadly about their future; building on what works, when it works, in those critical life-changing moments. And when I say, by the way, building on what works, it means looking at the actual evidence of what works. There are a lot of programs out there that sound good, are well -intentioned, well-inspired, but they’re not actually having an impact. We don't have enough money or time or resources to invest in things that don't work, so we've got to be pretty hard-headed about saying if something is not working, let’s stop doing it. Let’s do things that work. And we shouldn’t care whether it was a Democratic program or a Republican program, or a fait-based program or -- if it works, we should support it. If it doesn’t, we shouldn’t. And all the time recognizing that “my neighbor’s child is my child” -- that each of us has an obligation to give every child the same chance this country gave so many of us. So, in closing, let me just say this. None of this is going to be easy. This is not a oneyear proposition. It’s not a two-year proposition. It's going to take time. We're dealing with complicated issues that run deep in our history, run deep in our society, and are entrenched in our minds. And addressing these issues will have to be a two-way bargain. Because no matter how much the community chips in, it’s ultimately going to be up to these young men and all the young men who are out there to step up and seize responsibility for their own lives. (Applause.) And that’s why I want to close by speaking directly to the young men who are here today and all the boys and young men who are watching at home. Part of my message, part of our message in this initiative is “no excuses.” Government and private sector and philanthropy and all the faith communities -we all have a responsibility to help provide you the tools you need; we've got to help you knock down some of the barriers that you experience. That’s what we're here for. But you’ve got responsibilities, too. And I know you can meet the challenge -many of you already are -- if you make the effort. It may be hard, but you will have to reject the cynicism that says the circumstances of your birth or society’s lingering injustices necessarily define you and your future. It will take courage, but you will have to tune out the naysayers who say the deck is stacked against you, you might as
February 27-March 6, 2014 well just give up -- or settle into the stereotype. It’s not going to happen overnight, but you’re going to have to set goals and you're going to have to work for those goals. Nothing will be given to you. The world is tough out there, there’s a lot of competition for jobs and college positions, and everybody has to work hard. But I know you guys can succeed. We've got young men up here who are starting to make those good choices because somebody stepped in and gave them a sense of how they might go about it. And I know it can work because of men like Maurice Owens, who’s here today. I want to tell Moe’s story just real quick. When Moe was four years old, he moved with his mom Chauvet from South Carolina to the Bronx. His mom didn’t have a lot of money, and they lived in a tough neighborhood. Crime was high. A lot of young men ended up in jail or worse. But she knew the importance of education, so she got Moe into
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com the best elementary school that she could find. And every morning, she put him on a bus; every night, she welcomed him when he came home. She took the initiative, she eventually found a sponsorship program that allowed Moe to attend a good high school. And while many of his friends got into trouble, some of it pretty serious, Moe just kept on getting on the bus, and kept on working hard and reaching for something better. And he had some adults in his life that were willing to give him advice and help him along the way. And he ended up going to college. And he ended up serving his country in the Air Force. And today, Moe works in the White House, just two doors down from the Oval Office, as the Special Assistant to my Chief of Staff. (Applause.) And Moe never misses a chance to tell kids who grew up just like he did that if he can make it, they can, too. Moe and his mom are here today, so I want to thank them both for this incredible exam-
ple. Stand up, Moe, and show off your mom there. (Applause.) Good job, Moe. So Moe didn’t make excuses. His mom had high expectations. America needs more citizens like Moe. We need more young men like Christian. We will beat the odds. We need to give every child, no matter what they look like, where they live, the chance to reach their full potential. Because if we do -if we help these wonderful young men become better husbands and fathers, and welleducated, hardworking, good citizens -- then not only will they contribute to the growth and prosperity of this country, but they will pass on those lessons on to their children, on to their grandchildren, will start a different cycle. And this country will be richer and stronger for it for generations to come. So let’s get going. Thank you. God bless you. God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) END
February 27-March 6, 2014
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February 1, 2014—TOYS FOR TOTS PROGAM AT UCPN
Claudia Swansey, left, and friend at NAACP Luncheon
Photo: Town of Hempstead Photographer Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray (2nd right, standing, back row) attended the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, which was held at the United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County School in Roosevelt. Pictured also are United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County School Principal Diane Berger of Roosevelt, USMC Major Chuck Kilbride, USMC Sergeant Brian Gomez, American Academy of Hospitality Sciences President & CEO Joseph D. Cinque, Special Agent FBI Supervisor Dawn T. Smallwood, US Equity Partners Holdings, LLC President and CEO Behzad Farahani, UMS International CEO John Blasig, and Levittown Fire Department Commissioner John Rottkamp. January 9, 2014—CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL AND LYNDSAY: Hempstead Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad (right) recently performed the wedding ceremony of Roosevelt residents, Michael Christopher Milaccio and the former, Lyndsay J. Wright, in the wedding chapel at town hall in Hempstead.
Photo: Town of Hempstead Photographer
The Lakeview Youth Federation 22nd Annual Friendship Games at Nassau Community College Photo L_R: Kito Lockward, Malverne HS Football Coach, Talyana Gardson, Hempstead, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Kimberlie Paul, Floral Park, Keisha Hoskins, Valley Stream, Oneila Denton, Hempstead, Charles Nanton, Chairman L.Y.F. Inc., Lenray Raftington, Uniondale October 18, 2013—FREEPORT SMALL BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR: Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray (2nd right), Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby (left) and Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad (right) were joined by New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo (6th right) in congratulating Ivan Sayles (6th left) of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce at the Nassau Council of Chambers 28th Annual Small Businessperson of the Year Legislative Breakfast. The event was held at the Cresthollow Country Club in Woodbury on October 18, 2013. Ivan is the co-owner of Rachel’s Waterside Grill on Freeport’s Nautical Mile and is currently Executive Secretary of the Chamber. Ivan plays an active role in the community, striving to promote and uphold the image of Freeport and the Nautical Mile. Also pictured are members of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce.
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February 27-March 6, 2014
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People . Place . Events DIVA, Democracy Inspiring Voter Awareness MLK The Uniondale Community Council 30th Annual Trustees Ball at Oheka Castle in Huntington.
Dinner Dance
Photo L-R—Terenna Williams, Gloria Baca, honoree, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Elseah Chea (accepting for honoree Phil Andrews), Chris Arceneaux, honoree, Donna Raphael.
The Village of Hempstead & The United People Organization 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade
Pic’d Seated: Breanna Lee Irizarry, Student Member, Uniondale School Board, Nancy Skeete, Pres. UCC, Dr. Florence Simmons, honoree—Standing: Elaine Smith, Past Pres. UCC, Anita Ellis, honoree, Dr. Gregory Maney, honoree, Noel Charles, Chair, Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Emerson Mott, Pres. Uniondale School Board, Dr. Mary Cameron, honoree, Dr. Terri Mangum, Uniondale School Board Trustee, Mary Ellen Kreye, VP UCC, James Sharpe III, VP Uniondale School Board, Neville Georges, Trustee Uniondale School Board
Bethel AME Church in Freeport hosted Annual Founder’s Day
Photo: Ruby Sapp, Audrey Porter, Councilwoman Goosby, Gloria Simmons
Pastor Mittie Lewis celebrated 75th
Bethel AME Church in Freeport hosted their annual Founder’s Day service remembering Bishop Richard Allen, February 14, 1760-March 26, 1831. Also honored were members of the church who celebrate their birthdays in February. Those included Rev. Stephen Michael Lewis, pastor of the church, and Pearleta Haslam. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who also shares a February birthday, presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mrs. Haslam and congratulated Rev. Lewis, and all of the members of the congregation celebrating their birthdays Pastor Mittie Lewis celebrated her 75th birthday with her family, church family and friends at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby presented a Certificate of Recognition to Pastor Lewis and offered her heartfelt congratulations.
The Cedarmore Corporation/ZION “Parents” Open House and Overview Breakfast”
Pic’d Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby congratulated Bishop Frank O. White, Lady White, program coordinators and students participants. Also pictured is Mr. Robert Suarez of Bethpage Credit Union
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Theta Iota Omega Chapter, and the Ivy Foundation of Long Island “Hempstead Economic Enrichment Workshop” for financial literacy and job readiness, at the Obama School in Hempstead. Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby presented President Gladys Andrews and the organizations with Certificates of Recognition for bringing this program to the community.
February 27-March 6, 2014
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• •
Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers How are African-American and New Immigrant Children Doing Academically? Q. As we celebrate Black History Month, what is the state of academic achievement for African-American children and new immigrant children at this time? A. The stats are still poor. Overall, AfricanAmerican students score lower on standardized tests, graduate at lower rates and are considerably more likely to be expelled, suspended or placed in special education. If they are poor and new immigrants the gaps are even worse. If students are new immigrants who speak another language like Hispanic, African or Haitian students the ability to achieve is hindered even more. Research shows that African-American children tend to attend districts with substandard teachers, administrators and resources. Some districts resort to moving their low functioning minority students to alternative schools or special education so that their low scores will not pull down the overall scores of the district. One would think that districts would implement researched based programs proven to be effective with poor minority and new immigrant students but all school districts are complaining about is little to no funding. Those who do research in education will often list what poor children need to succeed, what minority children need to succeed and what second language learners need to succeed academically however, it is rare to find school districts that implement these kinds of programs. Often these three components overlap. Two recent reports, one from the Council of the Great City Schools and one from the American Institutes for Research, reveal that the achievement gaps are still large between African-American and white students. But concerted efforts in certain states and districts have shown that the historical trend doesn't have to remain the same, and overall the picture may have brightened slightly over the past decade or two, according to statistics and anecdotal observations. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, African-American high school students are notably falling behind their white counterparts in graduation rates, dropout rates, literacy rates, and college preparedness rates. * In 2005, only 55 percent of all black students graduated from high school on time with a regular diploma, compared to 78 percent of whites. * In 2005, the on-time graduation rate for black males was 48 percent nationally; for white males it was 74 percent. * Nearly half of the nation’s African American students, but only 11 percent of white students, attend high schools in which graduation is not the norm. *In 2002, 23 percent of all black students who started public high school left it prepared for college, compared to 40 percent of whites. *On average, African American and Hispanic twelfth-grade students read at approximately the same level as white eighth graders.
*About half of poor, urban ninth graders read at only a fifthor sixth-grade level. * The National Assessment of Educational Progress reports that 88 percent of African American eighth graders read below grade level, compared to 62 percent of white eighth graders. * The twelfth-grade reading scores of African American males were significantly lower than those for men and women across every other racial and ethnic group. A disproportionate number of failing schools, across grade levels, are predominantly comprised of poor, racial, and ethnic minority students. These segregated schools tend to have fewer financial, human, and material resources than schools in more affluent areas. By the time students who attend these schools reach high school, the academic challenges they face have been compounded by years of substandard education.
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What Can Parents Do? We could spend hours discussing the state of education for African-American children. The research is voluminous and thorough. While the school boards and politicians fight over funding and teacher evaluation systems, our children lose valuable time and resources. People live where they can afford but that doesn’t mean they should stand for substandard schools. Parents have to take a much more active role in their children’s education. Here are my tips for parents:
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Make sure your child has good nutrition. Make sure your child has enough sleep. Make sure your child does all homework, assignments and readings. Read to your child and insist older children read everyday. Ask ‘wh’ questions while you read to improve comprehension skills.
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Turn off the TV and video games and read. Take them on outings and improve vocabulary and exposure to new things. Visit the library and library shows. They are free and informative. Learn the curriculum for your child’s grade and reinforce skills at home. Watch educational TV like Discovery Channel, National Geographic and PBS! Have a good relationship with your children. Emotional health is just as important as physical health. Have good routines for homework, meal times and sleep. Stay in touch with your child’s teacher often. Ask what you can do to help. Join your schools PTA. Be active and present at school. Attend all meetings at your child’s school. Let your children know education is a priority and non-negotiable. Encourage writing skills. Help them write about a book they just read or a show they watched. Let them write letters to family on paper or online. Make sure your child is in good health. Have your child’s vision and hearing tested. If your child is struggling academically have him/her evaluated early for a learning disability so there can be early intervention. Attend school board meetings and know what is happening in your district. Make sure your child has all school supplies needed. Expect much from your district and teachers. Ask the teacher for resources you can reinforce at home. Find out what your child will be learning next week so you can introduce it over the weekend. Get a tutor if you can. Professional tutors can be expensive but you can connect with your local high school and ask for a student who is good in math,
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for example, who you can pay a stipend to tutor your child. If you can let your child learn to play an instrument, join a sport or join a club. Kids who are engaged in a group do better in school because they are more focused, tend to have more friends, and have better self-esteem. Praise your child for his/her strengths. He may not be on the honor roll but he may be an excellent writer or debater or an excellent artist. Praise progress, improvement and good effort as if it was an A+. Make sure your child attends school! It’s hard to grasp something new if you were not there to learn it and practice it. Keep your children actively learning through the summer months. They can still have fun and read a book and do a few pages of work, too.
Some information gathered from the www.all4ed.org and www.districtadministration.com websites. Lisa-Anne Ray-Byers is a licensed and certified speechlanguage pathologist who has worked in education for over two decades. She holds graduate degrees in speechlanguage pathology and multicultural education. She also holds certification in educational administration. She is the author of the books, They Say I Have ADHD, I Say Life Sucks! Thoughts From Nicholas and They SSSay I’m a StStStutterer, But I SSSay Nothing! Meet Kelly and coauthor of 365 Ways to Succeed With ADHD! She is the Education Editor of the Community Journal newspaper in Baldwin, NY and a member of the National Education Writers Association. You may contact her at speechlrb@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at www.AskLisaAnne.com.
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February 27-March 6, 2014
Planning to Step Back or Exit from Your Small Business
Jack Signorelli
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
2. Groom a successor. The world of family business is full of sad stories about owners who suddenly decide to retire and drop the business into the lap of a brother or daughter with little training or notice. Start teaching your heir apparent about the business’s operations and finances now, and assume it may take many months or even a year or two to pass on all the knowledge. Notice their weak points and either train or hire professionals to help. If they have poor customer-service skills, for instance, you want to fix that before you hand off the baton.
3. Create a great communicator. Your successor needs top-of-the-line communication skills to influence clients, vendors, employees and Planning an Exit from Your Small Business You may be thinking about working “on” your others. If you don’t build this skill it’s like the “substitute-teacher” phenomenon: the kids business rather than “in” your business. You will act up, not listen and accomplish little may even be thinking of selling. I’m not one to recommend giving up but for some business until either the sub builds confidence, or the “permanent teacher” — you — return to clean owners, hard times may force you to wonder whether it’s time to cash in and move on — or up the mess. at least, sell a stake to someone who might 4. Show your faith. If you don’t instill confieventually buy you out. dence in the proposed successor and demonIf you’re thinking about leaving your business strate to workers that you trust this person to behind, or stepping back to work on the strate- take over and keep the business growing, you’re sowing the seeds of future problems. gic rather then tactical side, some careful planning up front can make it a smooth transi- Make sure everyone knows who your choice is and that you’re excited about how this new tion that ensures your company thrives after leader will approach the business. you’re gone. Here are five tips on how to make a graceful exit. Let them be who they are. Your leader should not try to mimic your personal style or your 1. Work on a succession plan. What do you management style. The new leader needs his want to happen after you leave? Write up a or her own vision and approach. Leaders with plan that spells out your wishes. If you’re considering passing on or selling the business their own strong brand will be better able to to a family member or employee, notify them succeed as they take over the top role. My tip: Think of letting go in stages, if possiof your intentions. Ensure that your plan anble. Even if you’re selling to an outsider, you swers questions about who will be in charge, may want to negotiate for a transitional conhow much of a stake they will acquire and at sulting/training period where you’re still on what cost. It should also offer a timeline for board. the transfer of power.
————————Jack Signorelli is a Certified Business Coach and former U.S. Marine. His career spanned 27 years in Corporate America culminating as President of Konica Business Technologies, (now Konica-Minolta), a $1 Billion distributer of office products and services. Under Jack's leadership the company grew revenues more than $100 million. Jack owns two small businesses and since 1996 he has been providing practical advice to business leaders, in all industry segments, throughout the U.S. Jack works with a select group of clients who are driven to improve their profits, team performance, and lifestyle. Are there areas in your business that need some adjustments? Call me direct @ 631-757-2936 or email him at Jack@SoundviewAdvice.com
Celebrate India! Indian American Forum, Inc. cordially invites all to attend a ceremony celebrating India Republic Day hosted by Town of Hempstead Supervisor The Honorable Kate Murray on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 7 o’clock Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion One Washington Street Hempstead, New York Reception to follow Info, call 516.248.7241
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February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
Celebrity Interview . Book/Movie Reviews roads of Leadership in the 21st Century. Edited by Dinesh Sharma and Uwe P. Gielen, the enlightening opus is comprised of insightful essays on the subject by a diversity of academics, shrinks, journalists and social scientists, contributors coming from ports-of-call as far afield as Kuwait, England, Thailand, Germany, Dubai, France, Kenya, Japan, Korea, India, Canada, Malawi and, of course, the U.S. The book simultaneously serves as a logical follow-up to Barack Obama in Hawai'i and Indonesia, a painstakingly-researched biography of the President’s formative years published in 2011 by Sharma, a Professor of Kam Williams Global Cultural Studies at SUNYBinghampton. Here, the focus is on the charismatic role model’s image as perceived by folks on five continents. The Global Obama: Crossroads of Leadership A seminal exploration painting a complex in the 21st Century portrait of the President as a compassionate humanitarian, militaristic expansionist and Edited by Dinesh Sharma and Uwe P. Gielen Routledge Books . Paperback, $59.95, 364 pgs Teflon diplomat with incomparable strategic and oratory skills. ISBN: 978-1-84872-626-0 To order a copy of The Global Obama, visit: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ “Barack Obama [has] garnered higher approval ASIN/1848726260/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20 ratings in most parts of the world than in the United States. What a paradox. The first black To order a copy of Barack Obama in Hawai'i and Indonesia, visit: president, loved by people around the world, yet struggling for approval for his policies at home—whether it be the healthcare initiative, the stimulus to bail out the economy, or his ‘leading from behind’ on foreign policies. We wanted to explore the stark contrast between Obama’s popularity abroad and his suboptimal ratings at home… Why the inverse correlation between the public image at home versus abroad? You can’t be a prophet in your own land, Obama suggested… Thus, the idea was hatched to publish The Global Obama… It is only appropriate that we try to grasp the total Obama… Clearly, part of Obama’s worldwide appeal is due to his international biography… Barack Hussein Obama’s rise from his early life as a multiracial and multicultural outsider in a broken family… to assuming the world’s most http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ powerful executive position is as improbable as it is global in its trajectory and in its impli- ASIN/0313385335/ref%3dnosim/thslfofire-20 http://www.millenniumentertainment.me/titles/ cations for the evolving 21st Century. film_details.asp?ProjectID={EB2762C2-D53CBut whereas his life story has been the subject E311-BBA7-D4AE527C3B65}&BusinessUnitID= of several good biographies, his global position {BC740C00-312C-4641-821A-D46574CD05FB} as a leader has not been assessed in a sustained Or: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ life_of_a_king_2013/pictures/#6 manner. Obama’s global leadership qualities Or: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2534330368/ and position and how he is being perceived tt2708254?ref_=tt_ov_i and judged around the world are the central and intertwined topics of this book.” ——————————————————--- Excerpted from the Preface (page xxi) ...Barack Obama was so uniformly admired when he became president, that he won the Nobel Peace Prize during his first year in office, even before he had a chance to prove himself on the world stage. And just last month, he received the warmest reception of any of the heads of state in attendance at the funeral of Nelson Mandela. How has Obama managed to maintain his Headline: Ex-Con Opens Chess Club for Atpopularity overseas despite suffering from Risk Kids in Ghetto-Based Biopic plunging approval ratings at home? The answer ostensibly lies in his being as much PresiEugene Brown (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) was so dent of the Planet as the President of the worried about returning to his neighborhood in United States. inner-city Washington, DC after serving 17 While he has caught considerable flak from years for bank robbery that he shared his conRepublicans for the supposedly “apologetic” cern with his cellmate Searcy (Dennis Haysspeeches delivered to citizens on his tour of bert). The wise, old elder responded by making over 40 foreign countries and counting, truth an analogy between life and the game of chess be told, those visits have actually cultivated amounting to the simple suggestion “Take care considerable political capital for the sage of the king.” leader of the Free World. So, while his second He also handed Eugene a chess piece, hoping term tanks domestically due to the dubious it might serve as a constant reminder to avoid launch of Obamacare, our peripatetic pres is trouble by employing fundamental game stratnevertheless likely to find continued approval egy. And that practical piece of advice would abroad. come in handy, especially since landing emExploring this surprising development is the ployment would turn out to be quite a chalraison d’etre of The Global Obama: Crosslenge, given his criminal record. Book Review by Kam Williams
But rather than break the law again for a quick buck, Eugene displayed the patience to wait until he found a legit job as a janitor. Working at the same high school his children had attended, he was afforded an opportunity to redeem himself when asked by the principal (LisaGay Hamilton) to monitor detention, too. Instead of just having the students stand at the blackboard and write, “I will not be late for class” or “I will not forget my homework” 50 times, Eugene came up with the inspired idea of teaching them how to play chess each afternoon. Soon, he founded a chess club as a regular afterschool activity and viable alternative to the gangsta ways so many of the troubled youth found attractive. Meanwhile, Eugene needed to mend fences with his estranged offspring, college coed Katrina (Rachae Thomas), and black sheep Marcus (Jordan Calloway), a juvenile jailbird following in his father’s footsteps. That proves easier said than done since the absentee-dad wasn’t around for either’s formative years. Written and directed by Jake Goldberger (Don McKay), Life of a King is a warts-and-all biopic based on the downfall and resurrection of the real Eugene Brown. As raw and realistic as it is predictable and cliché-ridden, this modern morality play does at least drive home a pertinent message for adolescents in the targeted demographic. A Sunday school-style parable which makes very effective use of chess mastery as a metaphor for negotiating the perilous gauntlet of possible ghetto pitfalls. Very Good (2.5 stars) Rated PG-13 for drug use, violent images and mature themes Running time: 100 minutes Distributor: Millennium Entertainment To see a trailer for Life of a King, visit: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=24bM9kZp9NQ
Do you have a product, service or event that you'd like to advertise? Let EC Media Strategies Group step in! EC Media offers you the chance to have our marketing /advertising experts Life of a King Film Review by Kam Wil- assist you in promoting your products and/or services. liams To learn how we can help, call (516) 292-1263 Email: editor@lidispatch.com
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For photos, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ jamesyboyfilm/photos_stream Or: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ jamesy_boy/pictures/
Jamesy Boy Film Review by Kam Williams Headline: Troubled Teen Transforms behind Bars in True Tale of Redemption James Burns (Spencer Lofranco) ended up behind bars in spite of his frustrated mother’s (Mary-Louise Parker) best efforts to keep him on the straight and narrow path. When he was 14, she took him down to the police station for a good talking to after she found a pistol in his possession. But that early intervention failed to scare the cocky juvenile straight, and he would join a street gang setting up shop in his suburban Denver neighborhood. Eventually, the law caught up with James and, tried as an adult, he was convicted of vandalism, robbery and assault before being shipped off to a maximum security penitentiary where he immediately found his manhood being challenged at every turn. He soon landed in trouble with a security guard (James Woods) for coming to the assistance of another newcomer (Ben Rosenfield) being picked on by a hardened con (Taboo) looking for trouble. And he was warned that continued fighting was likely to jeopardize his chances of getting off early for good behavior to be reunited with the girl of his dreams (Taissa Farmiga). James finally finds inspiration in an unlikely friendship forged with a fellow inmate (Ving Rhames) doing life for murder. Wise old Conrad takes the kid under his wing, convincing him to find another outlet for the aggressive urge to retaliate. “Keep writing,” he suggests upon learning of James’ love of poetry. “It doesn’t even matter if it’s good or not.” That is the pivotal plot development in Jamesy Boy, a fact-based tale of redemption marking the noteworthy directorial and scriptwriting debut of Trevor White. While the overcoming-the-odds biopic might not break any new ground in terms of the genre, it makes up in earnestness what it might lack in originality, thanks to a talented cast which includes veterans Ving Rhames, Mary-Louise Parker and James Woods as well as fresh faces Spencer Lofranco, Taissa Farmiga (Vera’s sister) and hip-hop star Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. The picture’s postscript informs the audience that the real-life James Burns, now 25, lives in New York City where he studied poetry in college. A modern morality play about a young felon who, after paying his debt to society, left the slammer rehabilitated with more of a fondness for rhyme than robbery. Very Good (3 stars) Unrated Running time: 109 minutes Distributor: Phase 4 Films
To see a trailer for Jamesy Boy, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipQxlolqE0
Page 14 . February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
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Legal Notices State Senator Kemp Hannon Seeking Job Creators for His Upcoming “2014 JOB FAIR” “I’m looking for employers seeking qualified applicants for my upcoming 2014 Job Fair,” said Senator Kemp Hannon (R-Nassau). “If you are looking for eager, highly-motivated job seekers, then this event is for you.” 2014 Job Fair Wednesday, August 13, 2014. “The event is open to the public and there is no charge to employers or potential employees,” said Hannon. “It’s a great way for those with open positions to meet with a large pool of qualified applicants in one day. I urge any employers who have immediate positions to fill to be a part of this fantastic networking event.” The 2014 Job Fair will be held in at Adelphi University in Garden City, and the event itself will take place between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm. Open positions are filling up fast, so if you would like to reserve space, please contact Senator Hannon’s Community Office at 516-739-1700. All employers participating will be featured in promotional materials and media outreach, so this is a great opportunity to let the community know you have available positions to be filled.
Girls PRIDE Project Presents 2014 Women's HERstory Month Celebration For Women's History Month Saturday, March 22nd, 2014 @ Elmont Memorial Public Library 700 Hempstead Turnpike Elmont, NY 11003 11:00am-4:00pm Real Women Creative Expressions Contest Winners Presentation (Essay, Poetry, & Dance) Women LEAP Panel Discussion (Q&A) The celebration will be filled with various activities including poetry, dance, music, health & wellness, and an empowering panel discussion. Host Committee: NYS Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages Women of Integrity (WOI) Innocence Stolen Innocent Still Foundation (ISIS) Elmont Senior Cardinals Cheerleaders Women LEAP Lynn B. Stranger from WBLS To register your daughter, your sister or your group for this event, please contact Tammie Williams, Girls PRIDE Project Director @ (516) 945-5230 or via email at girlspride@Acceusa.org.
Page 16 . February 27-March 6, 2014
. Hempstead/Uniondale Times . www.hutimes.com
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